BMX for an eight year old

[Jer_1974]

My eight year old son wants a BMX from Santa and I know nothing about them. I don't want to spend a fortune but I don't want some heavy fifty quid job. Can anyone recommend a good mid range bike that will last a good few years.

[anonymous-user]

I assume this isn't BMX racing, you don't state an actual budget but two good street, park & dirt but not mega expensive brands are wethepeople and Sunday, but you'll have to spend at least £300 to get their basic offering. Competition in bikes at the £400+ range is fierce and you can get a great bike for that much

Try to get as much chromoly steel in the frame as you can, HI Ten is heavier and weaker. As he's 8 20" wheels should be ok unless he's small for his age, just make sure you get a shortish top tube less than 20.5"

A bit lower down in the brand stakes are mongoose perfectly acceptable, both in the street cred & usability stakes, can pick up a reasonable model for about £200+

Any less than this then it's a want to be, looky likey, BMX that will not stand up to any real abuse. But at 8 and just starting out I'd be surprised if he is destroying axles, wheels, frames and bones doing peg & frame grinds round the local architecture for a coupe of years yet.

Like this which should provide some suitable inspiration

http://vimeo.com/13357166

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 26th November 22:27

[Jer_1974]

Thanks Oneds very helpful.

[raceboy]

I'd be looking at something like this....

http://www.winstanleysbmx.com/product/19095/MirraC...

Or if the lad is small for his age an 18" BMX might be an idea, but if he can fit on a 20" it's a better start and loads more choice of bike.

The bargins are to be had on last years bikes. the MirraCo is a 2009 bike but only the sad bike geeks at the local skatepark are going to know that and it'll soon be covered in stickers/scratches anyway.

Another good site to look on is Alans BMX, Winstanleys have a habbit of advertising stuff they don't actually have in stock any more but you should be able to find something for under £200

[anonymous-user]

Alans & Winstanleys are good if you know exactly what you want and they have it.

One other place to try would be radbmx

http://www.radbmxshop.co.uk/shop/catalog/browse?sh...

They have an active forum. www.radbmx.co.uk. The guy in the shop - Stodgy - regularly posts advice on the forum and is pleased to talk frankly and honestly about the various +/- on any bike at any price. He'll happily talk on the phone too if you need answer then and there, somewhat goes the extra mile if you know what I mean. He'll also do you a good deal if he can, give him a call.

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 29th November 13:36

[Jer_1974]

I ended up getting him a blue 2011 Mongoose Subject from Wiggle. I got a free helmet and 20% off so it ended up at £151 delivered. I did look at more expensive bikes but this one had pegs and giro steering which he wanted. I also compared other bikes that were nearly £200 more expensive and they were the same weight or heavier.
Don't think he will break it for a year or two.

[anonymous-user]

Perfect starter at a good price well done, he should be well chuffed come xmas day.